IQALUIT, Nunavut - RCMP in Iqaluit have laid charges after two officers managed to disarm a man who was holding knives to a woman's throat.

The officers were called to a domestic dispute incident early Wednesday morning.

When they arrived, they heard a woman screaming and broke down the door.

They found a man restraining the woman and holding several butter knives to her throat.

They say the man threatened to kill her and told the officers he wanted them to kill him.

They drew their pistols and tried to negotiate with the man, but instead managed to knock the knives from his hand.

The RCMP say an "intense altercation" ensued that resulted in injuries to both the man and an officer.

The female was visibly shaken, but physically unharmed.

“These members should be highly commended for the amazing restraint they showed in this highly volatile situation,” said Supt. Hilton Smee.

“Their quick thinking and ability to transition quickly to a lesser force option saved two lives today. Without their professionalism and complete focus on protecting this victim, the outcome might have been very different. We’re thankful that this situation was resolved peacefully.”

Adamee Mitsima, 31, has been charged with hostage-taking, forcible confinement, assault with a weapon, uttering threats to cause death and resisting a police officer.